ALBUM REVIEW: Humanicide – Death Angel

Thrash metal titans DEATH ANGEL have time and time again continued to prove why they are one of the most consistent bands around, not even an almost decade spanning hiatus could halt their dominance. It is almost time for their ninth studio album and the long awaited follow up to 2016’s The Evil Divide entitled Humanicide which is due for release on May 31st via Nuclear Blast Records. Have the Californian collective conjured up yet another timeless classic?

Humanicide picks up right where The Evil Divide left off with swift riffing and powerful drum work. The signature snarl of frontman Mark Osegueda makes an instantaneous impact spewing pure disgust. Sturdy bass lines and impressive solo segments get the album off to a flying start. Divine Defector keeps up the pace with dark tones and sweeping lead work out of the gate before switching into an intense barrage of shredding that ebbs and flows throughout. Aggressor takes a more melodic approach with a clean intro luring you into further rapid fire riffing. Energetic fretwork towards the latter stages breaks up the jabbing ferocity.

I Came For Blood possesses a sharp, punk fuelled vibe as groovy bass lines grabs your attention. The heightened tempo keeps the momentum running at a steady pace, refusing to run out of steam. Immortal Behated builds the tension before snappy drumming kicks in. Osegueda provides some melodic tones to proceedings which enhances the atmosphere of the track. Ominous piano segments come into focus which fade to usher in the lively shredding of Alive And Screaming. The combination of layered chorus work and solo pieces which slip in and out of the arrangement keep you guessing what may be lurking around the corner.

The Pack commences with pounding drumming and sturdy riffs exuding a nostalgic 80’s thrash metal vibe. Gang chants littered throughout will provide various opportunities for crowd participation if this track makes its way into their live arsenal. Ghost Of Me ups the ante with an injection of adrenaline fuelled shredding. The instrumentation is ridiculously addictive and is likely to have you humming along hours after digesting. Revelation Song dials down the frantic stride but what it lacks in speed it certainly makes up for in intoxicating groove. In what almost feels like a call to arms the inviting tone demands your attention. Closer Of Rats And Men takes a couple of pointers from it’s counterpart showcasing additional bursts of alluring guitar work. Soaring vocal work interwoven with chopping and changing riffs display some of the most exciting material Humanicide has to offer. A last flourish of mind bending lead work ensures the track departs in a blaze of glory.

Humanicide feels like a game of two halves in some cases. The initial stages are solid and show why DEATH ANGEL have stood among the elite of thrash metal for countless years but feels like an established band going through the motions where the quality is abundantly evident but it doesn’t give you that feeling of euphoria. The last handful of tracks are where Humanicide really hits that sweet spot and gets your blood pumping and your head banging. With a back catalogue as revered as theirs, this may not sit aloft the pile with the essential ‘must-haves’ but Humanicide is still a well executed album which will satiate even the most devoted of thrash metal fans.

Rating: 8/10

Humanicide is set for release on May 31st via Nuclear Blast Records.

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